Japan Seeks Israeli Cybersecurity Expertise Ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
IsraelDefense
| 08/06/2017
The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) booth at Cybertech 2017 (Photo: Gilad Kavalerchik)
With the recent wave of ransomware attacks highlighting the dangers of growing internet connectivity across the world, Japan is looking toward Israel's military-linked expertise in cybersecurity to protect its networks ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Hiroshige Seko, Japan's minister of economy, trade, and industry, signed an agreement with Israel in early May for greater cooperation on cybersecurity. This marks the first cabinet-level deal between the two countries in this field.
Only a handful of other countries, including the US and the UK, are considered for such strategic partnerships, said Dr. Eviatar Matania, Director General of the Israel National Cyber Directorate.
The UK and Brazil experienced a surge in cyberattacks while hosting recent Olympic Games. The Japanese government worries it could suffer a similar fate in 2020. It hopes to mitigate such risks by working closer with Israel.
Some 16% of global investment in cybersecurity happens in Israel, even though the country accounts for just 0.1% of the world's population. It is home to over 300 companies in the field.
[Source: Nikkei Asian Review]
The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) booth at Cybertech 2017 (Photo: Gilad Kavalerchik)
With the recent wave of ransomware attacks highlighting the dangers of growing internet connectivity across the world, Japan is looking toward Israel's military-linked expertise in cybersecurity to protect its networks ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Hiroshige Seko, Japan's minister of economy, trade, and industry, signed an agreement with Israel in early May for greater cooperation on cybersecurity. This marks the first cabinet-level deal between the two countries in this field.
Only a handful of other countries, including the US and the UK, are considered for such strategic partnerships, said Dr. Eviatar Matania, Director General of the Israel National Cyber Directorate.
The UK and Brazil experienced a surge in cyberattacks while hosting recent Olympic Games. The Japanese government worries it could suffer a similar fate in 2020. It hopes to mitigate such risks by working closer with Israel.
Some 16% of global investment in cybersecurity happens in Israel, even though the country accounts for just 0.1% of the world's population. It is home to over 300 companies in the field.
[Source: Nikkei Asian Review]
